Atlanta, GA-
Story By: Sol Tucker
Photos By: Sol Tucker
After arriving at Phillips Arena tonight, the media notes showing John Wall would inactive for tonight for the Wizards certainly set the tone of what type of game this was going to be, a down right battle. Just as the Wizards have done all season long, they rallied around Bradley Beal and the upstart play of Otto Porter to keep this game close, but close wasn’t enough as the Hawks grabbed a 101-90 victory, tying the series at 1-1 heading back to Washington.
“The players decide that, how they’re feeling, the doctors and all that kind of thing,” “Wizards Head Coach Randy Wittman said.
Then, the inactive list came out — and Wall was on it. Tonight all he could do is cheer on his team and the same player who has delivered game after game of double digit assists failed to be able to control the destiny for the Wizards for the first time in 5 games.
Another big note from the game tonight was the absence of NENE in the scoring column. He finished the game with just two points and failed to establish a strong inside presence as he has in previous games this season.
Marcin Gortat, the Wizards other go to man in the clutch had his share of troubles with fouls and eventually had to exit the game with 4:26 remaining, as he picked up his sixth foul. Gortat finished the game with 10 points and 9 rebounds.
“We just have to take these few days to look and see where John is. Hopefully by Saturday the swelling will have decreased and he can play again, but its the doctors call at the point, said Wittman.
The Wizards were never out of this game tonight and were down 53-46 at halftime. They briefly tied the game in the third period, and trailed just 80-75 going to the final quarter.
DeMarre Carroll led the way for the Hawks with 22 points. Carroll has become a guy that is capable to shooting from the perimeter as well as getting inside glass as he did tonight in the first half.
Ramon Sessions continues to do an amazing job off the bench. Tonight he scored 21 points in the starting role for Wall.
